Welcome to the spring issue of the Family Grapevine.
We’ve got two fantastic competitions:

East Sussex County Council,
0345 60 80 190

WIN an family membership to Drusillas, near Alfriston. The
lucky winner will be able to visit the park as often as they like
in 2011 - full details are shown on page 6.
WIN £100 worth of Usborne books for your family,
toddler group, pre-school, school etc. All the details for this
competition are shown opposite on page 3.
Our Christmas Charity Offfer with Sticky Fingers in
aid of Polegate charity Children with Cancer Fund raised £75,
so thank you to everyone who supported us.
We’ve got lots of events listed in our What’s On Guide including
Nearly New Sales, School Fairs as well as family activities
at our local attractions. Do support these events as they
are a key source of income to our local clubs, charities and
businesses. I hope you like the cartoons that local artist
Lesley Harvey drew to illustrate the spring in East Sussex.
At the heart of the Family Grapevine are the FREE listings.
We now include well over 1,800 listings in the magazine which
I check at least once a year but, as always, if you find any
mistakes please let me know - it really helps!

Social Services
Adult Social Care Direct (Social
Services), 0345 6080191
Duty and Assessment: for children
you think may be at risk aged 11
and under, 01323 747373; for young
people aged 12yrs+, 01323 747094
East Sussex County Council
Children’s Services, 0345 60 80 192
Emergency Duty Social Services,
01323 636399 (out of hours)

Furniture Now! Furniture service,
recycling or training opportunities,
01323 648444 and 01273 487007
Home-Start South Downs, supporting
families with children under 5,
volunteers must be parents,
01273 612025
Join East Sussex Youth Offending
Team, 01323 466633
NYAS Independent Visitors for
children and young people in the care
system, 07824 475263
Parent Link, helping parents with
children who have special needs,
01273 481279
St John Ambulance, Sussex,
01273 371500
Time Out Respite Care for Special
Needs, Heathfield, caring for under
10’s on Sats and school hols,
01435 868583
vinvolved, 16 -25 year old
volunteers, 01435 810050 (rural),
07887 652382 (coastal)

Win £100 worth of Usborne Books
for your home, school, pre-school, toddler group, charity .......
Usborne offer an unrivalled service with an ultimate book buying package:
• Over 1,800 award-winning titles for children from birth to KS4.
• Up to 60% in EXTRA FREE BOOKS when schools hold an Usborne Event.
• Up to 30% discount when schools place an order through Usborne Representatives.
• Minimum 10% host commission for all book parties held at home, mother & toddler

groups, other groups, pre-schools and schools. That’s in addition to any special
offers available at the time of the party!
• Lots of fundraising opportunities for local groups, pre-schools and schools.
• Hassle-free personal service from your representative.
• For more information call Karen Wallis: 01444 232675 or Debbie Sheridan: 01444 487741

Don’t forget
Usborne supports
World Book Day and
accepts World Book Day
Tokens until
30 Apr 2011.

To enter our competition to WIN £100 worth of books simply answer the following question:
How many different titles does Usborne publish?
a) Over 1,000
b) Over 1,500
c) Over 1,800
Email your answer, name, address and phone number to usbornecompetition@gmail.com or send a post-card to
Usborne Competition, 19 Sycamore Drive, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 0GG. The closing date is 11th April. One
entry per household, school, group, pre-school etc. The lucky winner will be drawn at random and will be able to
choose books from the Usborne catalogue. Full competition rules at www.sussexfamilygrapevine.co.uk

To add a listing or advertise email katherine@sussexfamilygrapevine.co.uk or call 01444 811368

Party Time
Hall Hire

Treasure Hunts
Party Games
Face Painting
.. and much more!
2 years - adult

WIN A FAMILY
MEMBERSHIP TO
DRUSILLAS PARK
There are exciting developments at Drusillas this year. The zoo
which is already home to hundreds of fascinating and entertaining
creatures, will soon introduce four gregarious Colobus Monkeys
which will form a breeding group.
Following the popularity of the
zoo’s Keeper for the Day scheme,
Drusillas has created a number
of Close Encounter experiences,
allowing you to get nose to nose
with some furry and feathered
friends.

Located just off the A27, Drusillas Park is open daily from 10am.
01323 874100 info@drusillas.co.uk www.drusillas.co.uk.
The Family Grapevine has an annual family membership (2 adults
and 2 children) to give away in this free competition . Simply
answer the following question:
What is the name of the new walk through aviary?
a) Lory Landing
b) Lory Heights
c) Lory Avenue
Email your answer, name, address and phone number and where you picked
up the Grapevine to katherine@sussexfamilygrapevine.co.uk or send a post
card to Little Smeads, Haywards Heath Rd, Balcombe, West Sussex RH17
6NG. Closing date is 31 March. The winner will be drawn at random. One
entry per household.

www.alliumactivitytoys.co.uk
Climbing Frames
Swings & Slides
Trampolines
Ride-on Toys • Go-Karts
Croquet and many more
Garden and Indoor
Games for all the family

Also new is Lory Landing, a brand
new walk-through aviary where
you can feed rainbow lorikeets.
Opening in time for May half term,
you will be able to buy nectar and
feed these brightly coloured
birds native to Indonesia, New
Guinea and Australia.

The LIME Magazine for
Parents of Children with
Special Needs.
THE resource for families with
children with ALL special needs or
disabilities. Out every other month.
Each issue contains real life stories,
book and product reviews, research, practical advice, and regular
features from a child psychologist, a special needs health visitor and an
occupational therapist. There is also a Q&A that will be answered by a
specialist in the field.
A 12 month subscription costs less than £2 per month, at £22.50.
More details and to subscribe:

www.limemag.co.uk

International Family
Clubs
Eastbourne Cultural Communities
Network (ECCN), supports and
represents international cultures in
Eastbourne, 01323 735772
Wealden Kinderspiel Group
for German speaking families,
01435 864345

Informal Family Clubs
Boomerang Klub, monthly weekend
day-trip club for Newhaven area
families, reduced entrance fees to
popular attractions, 07985 390252
Seaford Family Focus Group
organises ad hoc events with the aim
of bringing the community together,
01323 893102

Parent Support Group for
parents of children with special
needs of all ages.
We meet on the 1st Tuesday of
the month at Willingdon Trees
Children’s Centre for daytime
meetings where a free prebookable creche is provided.
We also meet on the 1st Monday
of the month at St Lukes Parish
Centre for evening meetings.
STOP PRESS - New group in
Peacehaven from 8 March

Phab is looking to start
new clubs in your area
for children, young people
and adults with and
without disabilities

Phab can offer so much:
Reduced holidays for children
Accessible holiday homes
Chance to be part of the Phab
family and take part in
Regional & National events
Please visit www.phab.org.uk
Tel: Janine Williams, SE Regional Officer
on 01825 749826
or email janine.williams@phab.org.uk

Fun Days, Play drop-ins, Dad’s Group, Family Outreach Service,
breastfeeding support, dietary advice, support during pregnancy and a
range of courses including developing children’s language, healthy living
and employability skills..... and lots more....

Christchurch, Seaside, Eastbourne
www.risingstarspre-school.co.uk
Established 30 years ago we have a reputation as a professional, safe,
caring pre-school for children of diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
We are open Mon - Fri from 9am - 2.15pm - call for session times.
We welcome children aged 2½ to 5 years.
We feed both Roselands and St Andrew’s Infant Schools.
Open Morning - Last Wed of month 10am - 12pm

For more information or to come along and
meet us please call Louise on 07773 874629

Day care Nurseries • Pre-Schools
HELLINGLY PLAYGROUP
“Children are happy, confident and enthusiastic,
and spend a lot of time laughing together as they
play and learn.” Ofsted 12 May 09
Mon - Fri, 9am - 12 noon
Children aged 2 - 5 years
Highly qualified staff
Lunch Club on Mon/Thu
Large garden & veg patch
Daily nurture group

Alfriston Pre-School welcomes all children
between the ages of 2 and 5.

Early Years Education
Entitlement from term
after 3rd birthday
Call Tracy:

07776 180711
Herstmonceux

Our happy pre-school is open five mornings each week
and is run by a qualified teacher of Early Years (EYP).
We work closely with Alfriston
Primary, ensuring a smooth transition for all
children moving up to school. We also have good
links with local business and the community. We
even have our own allotment!

Pre-School

We offer a happy, fun and caring
environment, where your children
can enjoy being active, playful
learners, supported and aided by
qualified, experienced staff.

A happy pre-school since 1967
Children from 2 - 5yrs
8.40am - 4pm plus
breakfast club from 7.30am
Use of school facilities
and hot lunches
Highly qualified staff
Early Years Education Funding
Valley Road, Newhaven BN9 9UT

To add a listing or advertise email katherine@sussexfamilygrapevine.co.uk or call 01444 811368

15

Daycare Nurseries • Pre-Schools

Ringmer Nursery School
* Qualified & enthusiastic staff
* Committed to learning through play
* Outdoors play area
Mon - Fri, Term Time
Mornings 8.30am - 12 noon
Lunch Club 12 noon - 1pm
Afternoons 1pm - 3.30pm
If you would like the very best start for
your child, ring 01273 814154(daytime) or
01273 813612(evenings) to arrange a visit!
We Accept Educational Grants
For 3 & 4 year olds
OFSTED REGISTERED

Newick
Pre-School
Make friends and enjoy learning
at our friendly village pre-school
• Mon to Fri 9am - 3pm
• Age 2 - 5 years
• Up to 15 hours of FREE early
education and care per week
from term after 3rd birthday
• Ofsted Registered
• Friendly, qualified staff

Established for over 8 years in the
centre of Uckfield, JHM is a
family run Nursery for 2 - 4
year olds providing a safe,
nurturing setting where
your child is provided with
all the opportunities and
experiences needed to
enable them to learn and
achieve in the Early Years
Foundation Stage.
We are open 48 weeks per year
Monday - Friday, 7.30am - 6.00pm,
offering flexible sessions and day care at £3.30 per hour. We are also in
receipt of 15 hours free funding for eligible 3 year olds.
We also have out-of-school services:
• Our Afterschool Club currently serves Rocks Park, Holy Cross, Harlands
and St. Philips schools.
• Our Breakfast Club opens at 7.30am and is available for Holy Cross and
Rocks Park.
• Our holiday club is open to 5 - 11 year olds.

SPORTS
BOUNCY CASTLE FUN & GAMES
Morning, Afternoon or All Day Sessions available!
Different sports available each afternoon at Hampden Park!
We accept both Accor/Busy Bee Childcare Vouchers
and the A2A school payment scheme

Two day rugby course 9.30am to 3.30pm
College Field, Eastbourne College.
All standards welcome, develop core skills. Run by an RFU
level 3 coach and other qualified RFU coaches.
Total cost for the 2 days: £65 (including a hot lunch)
Book by 2 April
For more details or to book call Robin Giles on: 07966 680710
email: rmgiles@eastbourne-college.co.uk

The original, largest and still the best network of performing arts schools in the world.
Nurturing and developing young people’s potential through dance, drama and singing.
For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

We’re looking for more players:
• Training from School
Reception age
• Teams from U7 to U16’s
• Girls Teams
We meet every Thursday from
5.30 - 6.30 and every Saturday
from 9.30 - 11.30.
For more information contact
Joanne Cordingley: 07943 911395

SEAFORD WASPS JFC

Lewes and Ringmer units,
01273 476806

PLAYERS WANTED!
4 - 13yrs, boys and girls
Are you fed up with not
playing every week?

eastbourneunitedcolts@hotmail.co.uk
www.eastbourneunitedcolts.com

We are a friendly, family
orientated FA Charter Club.
All our coaches are FA qualified.

EASTBOURNE TOWN
YOUTH FC

For more details call Sue
on: 01273 611453 or

(formerly Old Town Youth FC)

We are looking for boys and
girls from U6 to U18 to join our
successful club. We welcome
players of all abilities.
Call Tony Guarino: 01323 508684
www.etyfc.org.uk

To add a listing or advertise email katherine@sussexfamilygrapevine.co.uk or call 01444 811368

25

A - Z of Sport and Leisure

The Uckfield Community Orchestra

If you play an orchestral instrument, come and join the
UCO! This orchestra is for all ages and mixed abilities and
is a wonderful way to get playing with other musicians
and have fun. We work hard and we laugh a lot!
The Uckfield Community Orchestra meets on Wednesdays,
6.15pm until 8pm in the Foresters Hall,
Harcourt Road, Uckfield. £20 per term.
Low cost string lessons also offered by professional
player on behalf of the UCO.
For more information please call 01342 823099.
Grant aided by 'Grassroots' & Uckfield Town Council

Leisure and Sport for
Disabled and Special
Needs Children
(continued)
Special Olympics, Eastbourne,
Football training 8yrs+, 01323 721014
Spray Water Sports, Eastbourne,
courses for all ages, 01323 417023
Uckfield Phab Club where disabled
and able-bodied people can meet
and enjoy a variety of activities,
01825 749826 (see advert on p9)

Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club,
active junior and family section, 6yrs+
and able to swim, 07540 831096

SK SEALS SW IM SCHOOL

01323 735944
www.skseals.com

WM Tennis, coaching for all the family,
Lewes, Laughton, 01273 483933

sarah.knapman@hotmail.co.uk

small splashes
Introducing you and your
baby to the joy of water!
Lessons for children from birth to
7 years, teaching water safety
and confidence.
Small classes in a warm pool
at Wilmington.
Fully qualified and experienced
ASA teacher.

The Small Print...
No part of the Family Grapevine may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
either wholly or in part, without the prior permission of the publisher.
While all reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of the material in this
publication and to ensure the accuracy of its contents, no warranty is given as to
its correctness. All advertisements are supplied and approved by the advertiser
and this does not imply a recommendation by the publisher. You should make your
own enquiries and comparisons as with any other form of advertising.
I cannot accept liability for loss, damage or difficulties resulting from contacts
made through the directory, from errors or omissions, from claims made by
advertisers, or from omissions or inaccuracies relating to telephone numbers,
wording, spacing or positioning of any listing, advertisements or other material,
regardless of how caused.

Eastbourne Baby Show
Saturday 9th April from 10am - 4pm
Sovereign Centre, BN22 7LQ
Meet the baby farm animals, have fun in the soft play area and try the kid’s football penalty shoot out.
Meet your local independent experts, charities and healthcare professionals.
Healthy cafe, baby feeding and changing facilities.
Goody bags for the first 250 visitors.
Admission £1 with 50p being donated to the
Eastbourne Special Babycare Unit

* Denotes events that must be pre-booked
www.sussexfamilygrapevine.co.uk

Supported by:
The

What’s On
Saturday May 21st

Free Admission • Free Parking

10am - 4pm
The Hastings Centre,
The Ridge, Hastings

If you have a bump, baby,
toddler or pre-school child,
then this is an event for you!
Featuring a range of exhibitors
with products, services and
information for your family.
Plus FREE children’s activities.

Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down,
Survive in the Wild* What are the four
things you need to survive? Find them in
the woods! 10am, 8 – 13yrs,
01825 830509
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare,
Ringmer – Who is the Easter Bunny?*
Join the team to learn more about rabbits
and their care, treasure trail and make a
dream home for a lucky rabbit.
10am – 2pm, 8 – 12yrs, www.raystede.
org for booking form or 01825 880461

Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down,
Woodland Monsters* – Go deep into
the dark woods in search of a monster!
10.30am, 3 – 6yrs, 01825 830509
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare,
Ringmer – Spring Chicks and Easter
Bunnies*, visit the rabbits, learn how to
care for them, discover the world of the
chickens and find out how to help birds
in spring, 10am, www.raystede.org for
booking form or 01825 880461

19th - 20th April

Observatory Science Centre, Rocketry
workshops*, half day on 19th for 6yrs
at 10.30am or 2pm; full day on 20th for
9yrs+, 01323 832731

Eastbourne Festival and Fringe,
Among the events will be creative
workshops for families at Towner, Leaf
Hall, St Bede’s School, Kings Church,
Catalyst Arts and other venues. Check
www.eastbournefestival.co.uk nearer the
time, 07768 274461

Ringmer Village Fete on the Green and
Fun Run on Sun 26th May, 01273 813625

22nd May

Special Olympics, Eastbourne Sports
Park, Regional Athletics for those with
special needs. Come along and support
your local athletes, 01323 721014

25th May

Stonegate Pre-school Open Morning
with Circus Workshop, 10am - 1pm in
Stonegate Village Hall. Meet the staff,
have a taster French Session, enjoy
home made refreshments and join in with
our Circus Workshop! 01580 200960

Observatory Science Centre, Making
Music Workshop*, 10.30 and 2pm,
6yrs+, 01323 832731
Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down,
Fairy Gardens* - see 11 May for details
and Survive in the Wild – see 14 April for
details, 01825 830509
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare,
Ringmer – No Place like Home*, find
out how you can make a perfect home
for your pets and discover some amazing
animal architects at the sanctuary, 10am,
www.raystede.org for booking form or
01825 880461

31st May – 3rd Jun

Half Term Fun Week, Kent and East
Sussex Railway, fun and games at
Tenterden station – free when you buy
a train ticket which are reduced for
families, 01580 765155 (see adv on p22)
1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey &
Battlefield, Family Guided Tours, enjoy
complimentary tours that bring to life
the events of the most famous date in
England’s history, 01424 775705
Half Term Activities - see pages 20 - 21
for more ideas.

NP&S Lions Club Seaford Half
Marathon Fundraising family event;
walk, jog or run this spectacular course
from Seaford over the Downs through
Alfriston and Cuckmere Valley. £10.00 or
£15 on the day, 01323 492263
Newhaven Fort Day Meet the
community groups involved with the Fort
including The Royal Observer Corps,
Newhaven Fort Amateur Radio Group
and Sussex and Surrey Yeomanry.
Demonstrations and ‘gun run’ by the Air
Cadets, special exhibits and guided tours
throughout the day, 01273 517622